The Argosy — page 50: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The Night Boat from Boulogne. 37 on through the station, where the official inquisitor’s white chalk mark was required on every package. ‘Madame has only these rugs,” said Frank, calmly. “ We shall go and look for an hotel and come back later for our luggage.” It was all very simple and natural, but the official was grumpy. Madame must undo all her rugs. Cigars had lately been largely smuggled, etc. Janet laughed and obeyed ; then, after several minutes of useless unstrapping and strapping, she was chalked. “Your bag, if you please, monsieur? Have you anything to declare ? ” Frank had previously decided to make no opposition to a search, as this official was cantankerous. ‘The boxes had been securely hidden by shirts and common articles, so he calmly handed the bag. ‘There was no fear from such a man as this. ‘The key, monsieur. Come, dépéchons nous.” Frank handed the key. “Mais! What’s this? It does not fit. Open it yourself.” Frank seized the bag. Richards had given him the key at the last moment. Could the fool have made a mistake? No, it did not fit. Janet was bending over her wraps and did not notice her husband’s face as Frank Hulse once more took the bag and tried the key. .A sudden pallor overspread his features, his hand shook slightly as the impatient official called to another colleague and mentioned the difficulty. ‘““Well : how is this? Monsieur has another key ?” “No. ‘This key must fit it.” “But it does not. Here, Pierre, it must be broken open.” Janet now took in the situation. ‘“Hew can there have been a mistake, Frank?” she whispered. And then noticing the curious expression on his face, she added : “Must they open it? Pay them something.” The lock apparently was not complicated ; in two seconds the man had opened it. ‘There seemed a curious collection of small odds and ends ; and in another moment the white chalk cross was scrawled over it, and it was handed back to its owner. Frank Hulse took it, and then said distinctly : ‘““T have something else—I must have left it in the carriage. I must go back to the train. Come, Janet.” “Indeed you have not, Frank. See, here are my rugs; and you know you said———” She paused, for Frank took her arm and hurried her off. “Oh, Frank, what is the matter? Are you ” ‘Tears were in Janet’s eyes as she followed her husband through a large and now deserted salle d’attente. ‘Janet, the most terrible thing has happened to us. I am undone, ruined. I can hardly think but it is wisest to say nothing yet. This hag is not mine. When or how I know not, but the bag has been ECOMMICLIOOKS. EO im